The morning was quiet.
Light filled the sitting room near the foyer, flattening the sense of time. It came through the tall windows, softened by sheer curtains, and spread evenly across the carpet and low table. The house was already in its routine—breakfast was finished, the children were upstairs with their tutor, and the staff was busy with their tasks.
Franz sat at one end of the sofa with his jacket folded beside him. He had his phone in hand but wasn't using it. Gio stood by the console table against the wall, looking at a document on his tablet. A folder was open on the coffee table between them, showing its contents in a careful but messy arrangement.
"Send it through legal first," Franz said without looking up.
"It's already queued," Gio replied.
Arianne entered the room quietly. Gio finished his sentence and lowered the tablet. Franz looked up as she walked over.
"Good morning," she said.
"Morning," Franz answered.
Gio nodded in acknowledgment.
